MainstreamCanadian.comhttp://mainstreamcanadian.com
Sun, 24 Apr 2016 19:05:09 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.10Did you know? Where The World’s Fake Goods Originatehttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/worlds-fake-goods/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/worlds-fake-goods/#respondSun, 24 Apr 2016 19:02:03 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25651The global trade in counterfeit goods accounts for 2.5 percent of the world’s imports and is worth almost half a trillion euro, according to a report from the OECD and EUIPO. US, Italian and French brands suffer the most from the lucrative global trade in knockoffs. The report analyzed customs seizures around the world between

]]>The global trade in counterfeit goods accounts for 2.5 percent of the world’s imports and is worth almost half a trillion euro, according to a report from the OECD and EUIPO. US, Italian and French brands suffer the most from the lucrative global trade in knockoffs. The report analyzed customs seizures around the world between 2011 and 2013, finding that China accounted for the most fake goods of any nation by some distance.

This chart shows the top origin economies of fakes as a percentage of total seizures in 2013.

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/worlds-fake-goods/feed/0Did you know? Canada’s Best Employers 2016http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/canada-best-employers-2016/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/canada-best-employers-2016/#respondFri, 26 Feb 2016 21:21:17 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25647Forbes and Statista conducted a survey across 25 industries to find out. This involved asking 8,000 Canadian employees at large companies (with over 500 employees), nonprofit institutions government departments & agencies, and local multinational divisions if they would recommend their employer, or any other employers in their industry, to a potential employee. The results revealed

]]>Forbes and Statista conducted a survey across 25 industries to find out. This involved asking 8,000 Canadian employees at large companies (with over 500 employees), nonprofit institutions government departments & agencies, and local multinational divisions if they would recommend their employer, or any other employers in their industry, to a potential employee.

The results revealed that electric utility BC Hydro is Canada’s Best Employer 2016, scoring 9.45 points out of 10. Vancouver based Vancity grabbed second spot while multinational corporation ABB rounded off the top-three. Unsurprisingly, tech giant Google also made the top-10, just as it did in the ranking of America’s Best Employers. However, even though several foreign companies and multinationals scored highly, the ranking revealed Canadians’ trust and passion for their domestic companies. Over 70 percent of the top-50 companies in the ranking are Canadian.

The complete list of the 250 best Canadian employers can be found online on www.forbes.com/canadas-best-employers

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/canada-best-employers-2016/feed/0Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau on Christmashttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/statement-by-the-prime-minister-of-canada-justin-trudeau-on-christmas/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/statement-by-the-prime-minister-of-canada-justin-trudeau-on-christmas/#respondFri, 25 Dec 2015 21:42:11 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25643The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement to mark Christmas: “Around the world and across Canada, Christians gather on Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a time when families, friends, and colleagues come together to celebrate the spirit of the season. “Christmas is an opportunity for giving as well

“Around the world and across Canada, Christians gather on Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a time when families, friends, and colleagues come together to celebrate the spirit of the season.

“Christmas is an opportunity for giving as well as receiving. Whether it is volunteering time at a local food bank, buying gifts for children in need, or opening doors to someone who may be celebrating alone, the true spirit of Christmas is about connecting with our neighbours and our community.

“This year, Canadians are welcoming thousands of Syrian refugees to our country — people who have been forced to flee their homeland due to war and conflict. I encourage all Canadians to show them a warm holiday welcome in keeping with our values of compassion, kindness, and generosity.

“From our family to yours, Sophie and I wish you all a most joyous holiday season and a merry Christmas.”

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/statement-by-the-prime-minister-of-canada-justin-trudeau-on-christmas/feed/0Bill C377 waived before it could impact union bodies in Canadahttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/opinion/bill-c377-waived-before-it-could-impact-union-bodies-in-canada/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/opinion/bill-c377-waived-before-it-could-impact-union-bodies-in-canada/#respondThu, 24 Dec 2015 19:09:19 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25641BILL C 377 will NOT go in effect on December 31, 2015; however, one MUST look into the history of this bill to understand how our elected members write the fate of general public. Majority government can make important decisions and implement them in a hurry. However, lack of good number of opposition also leaves

]]>BILL C 377 will NOT go in effect on December 31, 2015; however, one MUST look into the history of this bill to understand how our elected members write the fate of general public. Majority government can make important decisions and implement them in a hurry. However, lack of good number of opposition also leaves an open door for them to make huge mistakes.

Today, the federal government took its first step towards repealing this controversial law that would have required labour organizations and labour trusts to track their activities for the next fiscal years.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, today used her authority, under subsection 220(2.1) of the Income Tax Act and announced that she has waived reporting requirements arising from Bill C 377. She said that, “Waiving Bill C-377 reporting requirements delivers on our government’s commitment to restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour, freeing them from additional administrative tasks, and providing confidence in the future while the necessary steps are taken to repeal the Bill.”

It is being hoped that the government will repeal this bill by mid 2016. However, until such time that this bill is repealed, this waiver from the minister has ensured that unions do not have to hold themselves to the expectations of tracking their details to submit it to CRA starting Dec 31, 2015, the day this bill was going to go in effect.

Both the NDP and Liberal part had promised during the elections campaigns that they would repeal this legislation. This legislation was going to expect a disclosure of all expenses of $5000 and more along with salaries over $100,000 to CRA. CRA was then expected to post these details on its website for public information.

Imposing additional auditing burdens to the unions, to the ones that they already incur, this bill would have left less money in the union funds. Beside the unions, it would have left a huge bill in the hands of the tax payers too as it was estimated to cost minimum of $8 million to get this project off the ground by CRA along with the ongoing yearly cost (estimated $2 million) to run this program there after.

It would be beneficial to know that the section 149 of the Income Tax Act gives tax exemption to many associations such as professional bodies, unions, charities, govt. bodies etc. However, previous Conservative government was perceived acting with the intention of tightening the grip on unions only, as it left all other bodies out of the coverage of C377.

This exclusion raised the question in many minds about the true intention of Conservative government asking for accountability and transparency for the fair reasons. Liberals said that they would have considered it to be brought in good faith if professional bodies, which actually bring in much bigger revenue with the membership due than labour unions, would have also been covered in this bill.

NDP said that the demanded disclosure from the unions, would completely take away their ability to negotiate. Public knowledge of books and knowledge of how long a union could sustain any kind of strike, will benefit the employer and harshly damage the ability of fair bargaining process as it will unfairly advantage the employer.

It was also brought to the attention of the parliament that any union member can ask for the financial details of his/her union at anytime and the process in each union is very much open, fair, democratic and accountable. There are already provisions under other legislation to ensure transparency and accountability and thus it was propagated by both NDP and Liberals that there was no need to bring this additional legislation only against unions.

No one will ever now if Conservative government actually thought that the huge budgets of unions actually need transparency for the right reasons or they simply wanted to stop unions to fund Liberal and NDP parties.

Beside attempting to understand the politics behind this bill, one must realize that the members we elect have huge power to impact our day-to-day lives, our liberties, accountabilities towards the society as well as future of our country. Lets elect them carefully and then hold them accountable.

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/opinion/bill-c377-waived-before-it-could-impact-union-bodies-in-canada/feed/0Did you know? The biggest victims of terror are Muslimhttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/did-you-know-the-biggest-victims-of-terror-are-muslim/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/did-you-know-the-biggest-victims-of-terror-are-muslim/#respondSat, 21 Nov 2015 13:59:24 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25637In the wake of last Friday’s terrorist attacks across Paris, the Independent asked Statista to make an infographic based on the 2015 Global Terrorism Index. 32,658 people were killed by terrorists worldwide last year, an 80 percent increase on 2013. Seven of the 10 worst affected countries have Muslim majorities. This chart shows index rankings

]]>In the wake of last Friday’s terrorist attacks across Paris, the Independent asked Statista to make an infographic based on the 2015 Global Terrorism Index. 32,658 people were killed by terrorists worldwide last year, an 80 percent increase on 2013. Seven of the 10 worst affected countries have Muslim majorities.

This chart shows index rankings of terrorism’s impact across the world in 2014.

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/did-you-know-the-biggest-victims-of-terror-are-muslim/feed/0Pakistani group stands with Paris and defends Muslims, all in one videohttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/pakistani-group-stands-with-paris-and-defends-muslims-all-in-one-video/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/pakistani-group-stands-with-paris-and-defends-muslims-all-in-one-video/#respondTue, 17 Nov 2015 00:25:05 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25629A group of young Pakistanis has released a video addressing the people of Europe explaining how they as Muslims stand with Paris. With the same video, this group also highlights how Muslims in general should not be blamed for acts of terror committed by people who happen to share their religion. The message is simple,

]]>A group of young Pakistanis has released a video addressing the people of Europe explaining how they as Muslims stand with Paris. With the same video, this group also highlights how Muslims in general should not be blamed for acts of terror committed by people who happen to share their religion.

The message is simple, short and to the point. Here’s the video this group posted on their Facebook page:

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/pakistani-group-stands-with-paris-and-defends-muslims-all-in-one-video/feed/0These are the most affordable cities to be a studenthttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/these-are-the-most-affordable-cities-to-be-a-student/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/these-are-the-most-affordable-cities-to-be-a-student/#respondMon, 16 Nov 2015 23:53:50 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25623If you’re looking for an affordable study experience abroad, it’s best to cast your eyes towards Taiwan or Mexico. According to a QS report, Taipei and Mexico City are the two most affordable cities worldwide for students in 2015. This chart shows index rankings of the most affordable cities worldwide for students in 2015.

]]>If you’re looking for an affordable study experience abroad, it’s best to cast your eyes towards Taiwan or Mexico. According to a QS report, Taipei and Mexico City are the two most affordable cities worldwide for students in 2015.

This chart shows index rankings of the most affordable cities worldwide for students in 2015.

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/living/these-are-the-most-affordable-cities-to-be-a-student/feed/0Policy requiring women to unveil themselves to take the Oath of Citizenship is unlawfulhttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/policy-requiring-women-to-unveil-themselves-to-take-the-oath-of-citizenship-is-unlawful/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/policy-requiring-women-to-unveil-themselves-to-take-the-oath-of-citizenship-is-unlawful/#respondMon, 16 Nov 2015 23:42:26 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25621Ottawa, November 16, 2015 – The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada today issued the following statement: “On November 16, 2015, the Attorney General of Canada notified the Supreme Court of Canada that it has discontinued its application for

]]>Ottawa, November 16, 2015 – The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada today issued the following statement:

“On November 16, 2015, the Attorney General of Canada notified the Supreme Court of Canada that it has discontinued its application for leave to appeal in the case of Minister of Citizenship and Immigration v. Ishaq. The Federal Court of Canada found that the policy requiring women who wear the niqab to unveil themselves to take the Oath of Citizenship is unlawful on administrative law grounds, and the Federal Court of Appeal upheld this ruling. The government respects the decision of both courts and will not seek further appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

“Canada’s diversity is among its greatest strengths, and today we have ensured that successful citizenship candidates continue to be included in the Canadian family. We are a strong and united country because of, not in spite of, our differences.”

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/policy-requiring-women-to-unveil-themselves-to-take-the-oath-of-citizenship-is-unlawful/feed/0Canada stands with France says PM Justin Trudeau as Canadians mourn the loss of innocent lives in Parishttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/canada-stands-with-france-canadians-mourn-paris-loss-of-lives/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/canada-stands-with-france-canadians-mourn-paris-loss-of-lives/#respondSat, 14 Nov 2015 07:51:43 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25618Paris reeled Friday night from a shooting rampage, explosions and mass hostage-taking that President François Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack on France. Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country’s borders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and

]]>Paris reeled Friday night from a shooting rampage, explosions and mass hostage-taking that President François Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack on France. Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country’s borders.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and injured in violent attacks in Paris. Canada stands with France.”

The CN Tower in Toronto was lit up in red, white and blue to express solidarity with Paris.

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement concerning a series of attacks and a hostage taking in Paris, France:

“I am dismayed at the tragic events that took place in Paris, including the series of heinous attacks and the hostage situation.

“I join Prime Minister Trudeau and all Canadians in expressing my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and my wish for a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Canada and France will remain united in the fight against terror. Canada offers France its full support during these difficult times.”

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Paris are endeavouring to determine if Canadian citizens have been affected.

Canadian citizens in Paris requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Paris at +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02 or call the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

]]>http://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/canada-stands-with-france-canadians-mourn-paris-loss-of-lives/feed/0Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announces action on Syrian refugee crisishttp://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/minister-of-immigration-refugees-and-citizenship-announces-action-on-syrian-refugee-crisis/
http://mainstreamcanadian.com/news/minister-of-immigration-refugees-and-citizenship-announces-action-on-syrian-refugee-crisis/#respondMon, 09 Nov 2015 23:28:32 +0000http://mainstreamcanadian.com/?p=25613November 9, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the creation of a new Cabinet ad hoc committee to help bring Syrian refugees to Canada. An Ad Hoc Committee on Refugees will be a driving force in delivering on the government’s commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian

]]>November 9, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the creation of a new Cabinet ad hoc committee to help bring Syrian refugees to Canada.

An Ad Hoc Committee on Refugees will be a driving force in delivering on the government’s commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of 2015.

The ad hoc committee will include the following members:

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, Chair;

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Vice-Chair;

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board;

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie ;

The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence; and

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions.

The ad hoc committee will hold its first meeting on November 10, 2015.

The Government of Canada has made the following commitments related to refugees:

expand Canada’s intake of refugees from Syria by 25,000 through immediate government sponsorship, and also work with private sponsors to accept even more;

fully restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides limited and temporary health benefits to refugees and refugee claimants;

invest at least an additional $100 million this fiscal year to increase – without reducing standards – refugee processing as well as sponsorship and settlement services capacity in Canada; and,

provide an immediate, new $100 million contribution to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support the critical relief activities in Syria and the surrounding area.

“Canadians can and must do more to help Syrian refugees who are desperately seeking safety. The new Cabinet ad hoc committee is our first step towards Canada providing more Syrian refugees with the safe haven they so desperately need. This is about showing leadership and doing what is right as Canadians.”

– Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“We have a responsibility to significantly expand our refugee targets and give more victims of war a safe haven in Canada. People from coast to coast to coast and representatives from all orders of government have stepped up to help address the Syrian refugee crisis. We will be looking for close collaboration in the days to come to help make a home for the victims of this tragedy.”

– Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship